Taal Volcano Eruption Recorded More Than 40 Quakes within 6 Hours

Taal Volcano eruption produced more than 40 shaking since Monday night.

TAAL VOLCANO ERUPTION – Since 11:39 p.m. Monday night until 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, Phivolcs recorded 44 earthquakes near Taal Volcano.

On Monday, Taal Volcano in Batangas spewed lava fountains as Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) first observed from 2:49 a.m. to 4:28 a.m. during a magmatic eruption. This came along with thunder and flashes of lightning.

taal-volcano-2 — Photo Source: ABS-CBN News

And now, since 11:39p.m. Monday night until 5:50a.m. Tuesday, the agency have recorded 44 quakes near Taal following a magnitude 4.1 tremor that jolted Agoncillo, Batangas on Monday night. These numerous shaking were recorded in the towns of Agoncillo, Laurel, Lemery, Mataas na Kahoy, Calaca, San Luis in Batangas and Alfonso, and Tagaytay City in Cavite.

According to a report from Inquirer, the strongest within that span of 6 hours was at magnitude 3.6 in Taal and felt at Intensity III and magnitude 3.9 in Talisay at Intensity IV both in Tagaytay City. Although tectonic, Phivolcs Science Research Assistant Benz Rodriguez said via dzMM interview that the jolting were mostly caused by restive Taal Volcano.

Also on Monday, Batangas was placed under a state of calamity making thousands of residents pack up their things and seek a much safer place. Ashfall blanketed Batangas, other parts of Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon. The calamity prompted suspensions of classes and government work for Monday and also for Tuesday, January 14. (See: #WalangPasok: January 14, 2020 Class Suspension Due to Taal Eruption)

Taal is one of more than 20 active volcanoes in the Philippines that sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire.